Grant, Oscar R., 91, August 19, 2008. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton. Interment was held in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Houlton – Oscar R. Grant, 91, died Aug. 19, 2008, at his residence. He was born September 16, 1916, at 19 Green Street and resided there until his passing. Oscar was the son of Thaddeus Rex and Camilla (Robinson) Grant.
Oscar was a graduate of Houlton High School, Class of 1934. Music being one of his passions in life, he enlisted in the National Guard Band 152nd Field Artillery Band in 1940. He traveled the country during World War II entertaining the troops. After his discharge in 1945, Oscar returned to Houlton and joined a band in Woodstock, NB, and a local dance band. For many years he traveled throughout the County sometimes playing five nights a week. In his later years, Oscar joined McGill’s Community Band and was the oldest member of the 60-member band. Oscar’s passion beyond music was trout fishing. He fished all the brooks in the greater Houlton area for many, many years with great success. Most recently he could be seen in his white Ford ranger fishing the many bridges in greater Houlton.
Oscar owned and operated Robinson’s Ice Cream Parlor in Market Square for several years. After selling the business, he worked a few area jobs locally, prior to his final 20-year employment with the GSA at Houlton’s port of entry that concluded in 1980. Oscar was a sports fan, period. He followed his three boys’ athletic endeavors from little league through college years. He followed the Sox and Celtics with typical New England chagrin. He discovered the Giants on the radio and that became his team in football. Listening to games on the radio was a big deal for Oscar even in the world of HD television. He loved to talk sports and seek other’s opinions. Oscar lived a full life and he did it on his terms for the most part. He was a gentle man with a joy for life and deep appreciation for the gifts of nature.
Oscar is survived by three sons, Oscar J. Grant and his wife Donna of Bristol, CT, Terry Grant and his wife Vickie of Houlton, Reginald Grant and his wife Mary Adele of Windham; one daughter, Mary McCue and her husband David of Bangor; seven grandchildren, Eric Grant and Nicole Grant of CT, James Grant of Bangor, Leslie Winslow of Houlton, Sean McCue and Ian McCue of Bangor, Cale Grant of Windham; eight great-grand-children; a close nephew, David Grant; sisters-in-law, Gerry Branscomb and Betty Friel; brothers-in-law, Chester Friel, Albert Friel and his wife Connie; cousin, Joseph Robinson and his wife Lorraine; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Ada (Friel) Grant; a daughter, Barbara Elizabeth; and his only brother, David Grant.
Friends called Thursday 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dunn Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday 10 a.m. at Saint Mary of the Visitation Church with Rev. Clement D. Thibodeau as celebrant. Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to McGill’s Community Band or a charity of one’s choice, c\o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton, 04730.